Personal question

Hi Michelle/Michelle F6eb802 

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi Michelle F6eb802 

My name is Steph, I'm part of the team who looks after the Online Community. May I wish you another warm welcome to the site, although I am sorry that a diagnosis of anal cancer has brought you here.

I hope that you have already found it helpful to speak to others going through similar treatment.

I'm sorry that no one has been able to answer your question about shaving around or close to the treatment area. As latchbrook has kindly bumped your post, it could still be seen by someone who can share their experience.

We'd recommend you speak to your nurse at the hospital for some advice about looking after your skin during treatment. You might also want to ask your question in our Ask a Nurse forum or speak to a nurse on the Macmillan Support Line.

Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

I have also had a look around to see if I can find you any advice online. The Macmillan pages on side effects of pelvic radiotherapy offers lots of advice including the following:

"Do not shave, wax or use hair removal creams in the treatment area during radiotherapy. Wait until a few weeks after radiotherapy has finished and any skin reaction has healed."

The organisation Radiotherapy UK advise patients:

"Talk to your team about washing, shaving and caring for your skin in your treatment area. You might have to change your normal routine during treatment and for a short time after, especially if you have a radiation skin reaction."

I hope this is helpful and points you towards the information you need. Please do keep using the Community as there's a lot of support available for you through your treatment and beyond.

If you would like any further help using the Online Community, please do get in touch by email on community@macmillan.org.uk

Hi Michelle F6eb802 ,

I’m not quite sure how I haven’t seen your post! Apologies. 

I think during treatment for AC a lot of us lost our pubic hair. Personally mine thinned, it did come back but took some time. I was lucky that I didn’t have radiation burns in my groin etc., my skin was generally affected underneath & through to my coccyx area, it can still be pretty sensitive & easily gets irritated even now 7+ years down the line.

I agree with Steph that this one is maybe a question for someone with a medical background. 

Apologies again for missing this. 

Nicola 

My pubic hair has thinned during treatment - I can tell, but I don't think it looks different really. I had laser hair removal 20 years ago so I don't shave. But I can't imagine it being comfortable to shave during treatment or even now 2 weeks after as my skin was peeling round my knicker line. I'd suggest going wild and free until everything has healed! :-)

Hello Michelle F6eb802 

Tender skin is right!  I didn't initially answer this as as a result of systemic chemotherapy prior to the standard treatment I had absolutely no hair on my body, I have mentioned before that I didn't realise nostril hair serves a purpose in stemming a runny nose.

But I would be very careful if your skin is tender and sensitive - some hair has grown back but nothing like before and I live with it, mind you I only ever did bikini line before so maybe my experience doesn't count.

Irene xx

Hi Michelle

I've never been a shaver but did notice that hair removal of any kind was advised against during treatment (unless advised otherwise by the consultant) due to possible skin reactions in that area.

Personally, during treatment my skin didn't really suffer I had no peeling skin or blisters and only a very slight reddening that appeared in the last couple of days but I had absolutely no pubic hair left by the end of treatment and it only really started to grow back about 3 months post treatment and what is there now is nothing like before it's very thin and sparse and a different colour.

If you do need to shave, I’d ask one of your team first.

Monty xx

Hi Michelle - yes I do. I had chemo/radio for anal cancer 2 yrs ago and when the hair grew back I was disappointed! I find the skin in the whole area has good times and bad times.  I never use soap down below - I use epimax and also estriol cream which helps to keep the area comfortable.  I do shave - often get what I guess is a shaving rash.  The area continues to be sensitive but I manage it and it feels more comfortable without excessive hair!  Hope that helps you.